Moving to Portugal — Common Phrases

Bem-vindo a Portugal!

Welcome to Portugal!

The feminine form is 'Bem-vinda' if addressing a woman.

Portuguese people are known for their hospitality. You're likely to hear this phrase often as you settle in!

Como posso ajudar?

How can I help?

Portuguese verbs often change endings based on who is speaking. Here 'posso' is first-person singular.

Offering help is a common gesture of goodwill in Portuguese culture.

Onde posso registar-me?

Where can I register?

In British Portuguese, 'registar' is used, while in Brazilian Portuguese it's 'registrar'.

Whether it's for a residency, school, or utilities, registration is usually your first step.

Estou procurando um apartamento.

I am looking for an apartment.

In Portuguese, 'procurando' is the gerund form meaning 'looking for'.

Rent prices can vary a lot depending on the city. Lisbon and Porto are generally pricier.

Aluguel de longa duração

Long-term rental

'Aluguel' means rent. Remember 'longo' means long, and 'duração' means duration.

Long-term rentals are common, but there's often a focus on exclusivity and trust between tenant and landlord.

Qual é o preço do aluguel?

What is the rental price?

In Portugal, 'preço' specifically refers to price; don't confuse with 'custo' or 'valor'.

It's normal to negotiate rent prices in Portugal, especially if you're staying long-term.

Preciso de uma conta bancária.

I need a bank account.

Note that 'conta' can mean account but also 'bill' in other contexts.

Having a Portuguese bank account can make everyday transactions smoother and more convenient.

Como posso obter um NIF?

How can I get a NIF?

NIF stands for 'Número de Identificação Fiscal', crucial for any financial activity.

The NIF is your tax identification number, essential for most administrative activities.

Onde fica a escola mais próxima?

Where is the nearest school?

'Fica' is a useful verb meaning 'is located', crucial for getting directions.

Education is highly valued in Portugal, and schools are generally well-regarded.